Tag Archives: Travel Asia

Accordingly, the most romantic place in Asia where a newly wed couple should spend a holiday together, or perhaps anybody can do, is Bali, Indonesia. And yes, I also do believe that. In fact, I had been dreaming and wishing to spend at least three days to relax and feel the fresh and calming noise and air of the resort in Bali, either with my hubby and son or just me alone. Anything will do, but of course, getting there with my family is better than having myself solo backpacking.

There are several activities to do in Bali, Indonesia. Things range from relaxing in a resort alongside the seashore in front of the calm waves of the oceans, do exciting water sports under the kisses of the heat of the sun, trying out all those sumptuous exotic food offered in the city and a lot more. These are all can be experienced in one of the cities of Bali, the Seminyak.

Seminyak is the city capital of Bali. It is one of the most popular holiday destination islands in Indonesia. There, you will not only enjoy the sands and waters, but also the mountains and jungles. Seminyak Bali things to do are a lot even more than you could imagine.

One of the resorts in Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia (image from designrulz.com)

If you are traveling alone and you opt to just stay in a resort, there are a lot of luxury resorts to choose from. You could also choose to better stay in a budget-friendly stop if you are on a really tight budget. Food is not a problem. There are many restaurants and food stalls that offer local, exotic as well as international food to try on. These are all pocket-friendly as well.

For a family travel with kids, there are also great places to try where kids will sure to enjoy while the mommy and daddy will not be left outcasted. Food for the picky eater kids is not a problem as well as for the kids-at-heart because there are food stops that serve a variety of food to choose and to enjoy.

Tourist life experience in Bali doesn’t end as the sun sets. There are a lot more to enjoy during the night for the whole family. Kids can enjoy the night shows of fire dances and more while the adults can have their thrifty and pocket-saving experience in the night market. The whole family can also try the food best served during the night, which are perfect for the ambiance and relaxing places in Bali.

Following the ASEAN summit held in Laos PDR, I am feeling excited to explore Southeast Asian countries. Aren’t you? Anybody here feeling the same with me? Then, let’s get our seat belts buckled!

Here are the lists of countries which are VISA-FREE for every Filipino Philippine passport holders.

ASEAN COUNTRIES

Brunei Darussalam – 14 days

Cambodia – 21 days

Indonesia – 30 days

Laos – 30 days

Malaysia – 30 days

Singapore – 30 days

Thailand – 30 days

Vietnam – 21 days

NON-ASEAN Members but ASIAN COUNTRIES

Armenia – 120 days, visa will be issued upon arrival

China, Shenzhen – 7 days, if crossing from Hong Kong, and is valid in Shenzhen area only

Hong Kong – 14 days validity

India – 30 days, eTourist visa online

Iran – 15 days, must obtain an e-visa pre-approval code from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Israel – 90 days

Kyrgyzstan – 30 days, visa on arrival

Laos – 21 days, visa on arrival

Macau – 30 days

Maldives – 30 days visa issued upon arrival

Myanmar – 21 days

Mongolia – 21 days

Nepal – 21 days visa issued upon arrival

South Korea – 30 days, if arriving at Jeju Island or after visiting Korea 4 times with visa

Sri Lanka – 30 days, but must get an Electronic Visa Authorization prior to departure

Taiwan – 30 days, if holding a permanent residence certificate or an unexpired visa from: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Schengen countries, United Kingdom or United States. And must register online at https://nas.immigration.gov.tw/nase/ prior to arrival

Travelling is like de-stressing for me from the real world as I can freely breathe with no heart-pounding calls and attendance from hours of duty. It’s a day to loosen the tightly beating pulse and unclenching the rigid calf muscles. But what’s more relaxing when travelling is when you have your travel itinerary a less to no hassle or mind-boggling pocket threats. What I simply means is that you do not need to get stirred with lots of credits during and after the travel. One way to ward yourself off from this is to avail for PISO fares offered by selected airline companies such as Cebu Pacific Air and Air Asia Philippines.

This PISO fare is exclusive of the other charges. This is yet the base fare which is something to seized for once offered. In fact, there is really a big difference when availing this PISO fare than paying for the regular fares for your travels. The domestic flights, for instance, from Manila to Davao City and vice versa usually costs less than 1,000.00 PhP including charges and a baggage fee for up to 25 kilograms. Comparing this to the regular fare which usually up to 7,000.00 PhP. Isn’t PISO fare a big savings then?

Moreover, there are also available PISO fare for international flights like Philippines to anywhere in Asia such as China, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. Availing for the said fare when travelling outside the Philippines is a huge savings. Surely, any backpacker would have much for his pockets for souvenirs and other travel stuff than just merely spending it on the travel fares alone.

Aside from what have mentioned above, other expenses each traveler should put an eye at includes hotels and other staycation, food, and other emergency or not-on-the-list expenses. However, some of these can be waived upon such as the hotel and staycation if you will have it booked earlier than the said travel. Hotels also offer cheap or on promo staycation like the Cheap hotel dijakarta in Indonesia. You can save for your food since many hotels offer free breakfast and other complimentary food during your stay.

So basically, travelling now adays, be it domestically or internationally, is not really that head-cracking since everything is up for grabs. One just needs to be wise and clever enough when availing online promos for travels and patient enough to wait for these offers.

Since I knew I was pregnant, that was some time in 2013 and I was even advised not to travel because of a critical pregnancy condition, and up until now that I am a hands-on and breastfeeding mother, I rarely travel, or if I could, I surely am with my little boss.

So this year, 2016, I and my little boss will hopefully fly elsewhere our each pairs of shoes would lead us to and with God’s blessings and providence, we really could have a vacation together. And why only I and my little boss? This is because my hubby is not allowed to travel outside the country, as per work-related terms. But this is still okay with me since our little man is over 2 years old now and he follows instruction carefully, so I am pretty sure, I can manage long distance travel with him alone.

Image from cloudfront.net

Moreover, that basically was my reason then why I haven’t travel for a long time which, my blog, this one – Free Travels and Tours, has been in hiatus as well. Of course, what should I blog about travel if I don’t even ride a bus from one place to another?

As I have just mentioned above, we are looking forward for a travel-full 2016 for our family, or perhaps just for me and my little boss this time. Crossing fingers for this one and hopefully, for this blog to have more exciting and fun-filled photos and experiences to share.

Macau has been a gambling Mecca for well over a century now. The former Portuguese colony has seen sustained growth in tourism, especially from mainland China, and is now home to some of the world’s most luxurious casinos. The gaming, tourism and hospitality industries make up 50% of Macau’s economy and the region has surpassed Las Vegas as the world’s top casino market. Needless to say, it’s a gambler’s paradise, but there are plenty of other activities on offer. So what should you do if you’ve only got 24 hours?

Let The Hotel Do The Hard Work

If you’ve only got a day in Macau, you don’t want to be faffing around sorting out an itinerary. The Venetian hotel offers its customers a “discover Macau” package, starting at a very reasonable £140, for one night in a suite including breakfast, airport ferry tickets and a half-day tour of Macau. That way you can see the sights, absorb a little culture and then hit the bars and casinos in the evening. All that time you save can be spent brushing up on your gambling skills at sites like Betsson (https://www.betsson.com/en/).

Go For A Stroll

The best way to see the city is to go on a walking tour. Start off at the A-Ma Temple which opens at 7am daily then head north past the arches of the Moorish Barracks, which formerly housed Goan soldiers in the 1870s. Then pop in to the Mandarin’s House, the erstwhile residence of social reformist ZhengGuanying, before going over to the north-east of the city to visit the Jesuit churches, St Lawrence’s and St Joseph’s. Finish off with the Dom Pedro V Theatre and Senado Square.

Senado Square

A Quick Bite

If you’re planning on getting a lot done during the day, you’ll want to take lunch on the run. Sample some of the famous sweet egg tarts, a favorite of the Macanese, and grab some cured beef or fish balls at the various snack shops near St Paul’s. There are more traditionally Asian dishes such as roast duck and noodle dishes on offer at places like Chan Kong Kei and Hung Pun Kei respectively.

Take in The View

For £7 you can go up to the top of the 338-metre high Macau on the southernmost tip of the peninsula and get an amazing view of Macau. If you’re feeling especially brave you can also fork out the £200 fee for the world’s highest bungee jump while you’re there.

Bungee Jumping at Macau

Window Shopping

A prospering tourism industry means there are plenty of malls to check out. Many of them are attached to some of the swankier casinos, so for something more Macanese, visit the Rua da Felicidade and peruse the restored 19th century shops. From jewellery and food, to curios and snakes, there’s plenty to distract you.

Macau at Night

A Cocktail or Two

After a day’s activity, you’ll likely be in need of a good watering hole. Try the delightful 38 Lounge, located on the 38th floor of the Altira hotel, which offers an impressive array of cocktails, cognacs, single malts and wines, as well as an amazing view.